Age UK – Charity Shops & Conscious Consumerism

Age UK – Charity shops have always been a haven for people looking to save money and help others but as people turn their backs on our throwaway society, they can also help the environment too.

Age UK West Cumbria

As awareness grows of the environmental implications of fast fashion and throwaway culture, more and more people are choosing to buy items from charity shops – an ethical and sustainable alternative to widespread consumerism.

In the UK we are now buying twice as much clothing as a decade ago, with an estimated £140 million (310,000 tonnes) worth being sent to landfill every year. It doesn’t end with clothing either. Approximately 670,000 tonnes of furniture is also disposed of by UK households annually, with a significant amount still in useable condition.

At a time when we are facing a global environmental crisis and austerity, charity shops are what the conscious consumer needs. The donation and resale of second-hand clothing, furniture and entertainment not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill but purchasing items from charity shops also saves people money.

Here at Age UK West Cumbria, we want our charity shops to be the first port of call for the conscious shopper. Places where individuals can purchase guilt-free fashion and household items at bargain prices – all whilst helping us support local older people to love later life.

Hello?

We are currently in the process of refurbishing and relaunching a number of our charity shops across West Cumbria, starting with our stores in Cleator Moor and Cockermouth. We also have exciting plans to re-vamp and re-open our large store on Finkle Street in Workington.

As a conscious consumer, this is our invitation to you – please consider Age UK West Cumbria whenever you shop and donate. And remember, every £1 raised in our shops is used to support our services here in West Cumbria.

Age UK West Cumbria